MARQUIS: Redefining Luxury Aviation with a Personal Touch

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) — While most Americans are dealing with cramped airline seats and flight delays, a growing segment of ultra-wealthy travelers are experiencing something entirely different. Private aviation has evolved from simply avoiding commercial flights to creating completely personalized travel ecosystems—and companies like MARQUIS are leading this transformation.

The Personal Touch Revolution: A New Era of Travel

Founded in 2018 by Ric Davis, MARQUIS has been redefining what it means to travel in luxury. With over 17 years of experience in the private aviation industry, Davis recognized a significant gap in the market for highly personalized travel experiences. This insight led to the creation of MARQUIS, a company designed not just to provide flights, but to craft bespoke journeys that cater to the desires and preferences of its exclusive clientele.

The company’s model is built around the concept of membership by invitation or referral, ensuring that each client is part of an elite circle. For those who are fortunate enough to be part of this group, the experience is unparalleled. MARQUIS clients are paired with a dedicated travel advisor who works year-round to coordinate every aspect of their journey, from the moment they board the jet to the final details of their destination.

Whether it’s arranging a helicopter tour over the Swiss Alps, securing a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or chartering a superyacht in the Mediterranean, MARQUIS goes far beyond just flying its clients. It’s about creating a lifestyle, one that seamlessly integrates the flight experience with a host of curated, luxury activities that cater to their every whim.

By the Numbers: The Scale of MARQUIS Luxury

To understand the true magnitude of MARQUIS’ offering, consider the numbers:

• The average MARQUIS client spends over $200,000 annually on travel.

• A typical flight with MARQUIS costs around $25,000, with an average of 6 passengers per trip.

• Commercial first-class tickets for a route like Paris to New York might cost around $8,000, but a MARQUIS private jet for the same journey starts at approximately $75,000. This cost includes your dedicated advisor to source and book all of your travel arrangements beyond your jet, from your VIP ground transportation, exclusive luxury accommodations, and VIP reservations—all curated to the client's specifications.

This price tag is steep, but for those who demand the best, the value is in the service, comfort, and exclusivity.

Industry Disruption: How MARQUIS is Changing the Game

The private aviation industry is experiencing a major shift, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increase in private jet usage by over 20%. What started as a necessity for health and safety has now evolved into a long-term preference for ultra-wealthy travelers who appreciate the privacy, flexibility, and comfort that private aviation offers.

MARQUIS is at the forefront of this change, not only offering access to over 2700 preferred aircraft in the USA and additional 3000 worldwide/globally but ensuring that these jets are of the highest caliber. The company exclusively sources aircraft that are less than 15 years old and undergo meticulous inspections to guarantee reliability and quality.

But what truly sets MARQUIS apart is its ability to deliver an entire ecosystem of luxury experiences, seamlessly blending aviation with exclusive lifestyle services. Thanks to partnerships with Aman Resorts, Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, and other premier brands, MARQUIS clients are assured that the opulence doesn’t stop once they land. Whether it’s a private villa in Italy or a suite at the Ritz in Paris, MARQUIS guarantees that every leg of the journey is as extraordinary as the flight itself.

The Founder’s Story: From Industry Insider to Entrepreneur

Ric Davis didn’t start as an entrepreneur. He was an industry insider, working for some of the biggest names in private aviation. "I worked for major private aviation companies since 2008," Davis explains. "I saw Fortune 500 CEOs and celebrities face the same headaches over and over again: last-minute aircraft changes, impersonal service, and the hassle of coordinating multiple vendors for a single trip."

Davis grew frustrated with the lack of personalized service in the industry. He knew that there was a better way to do things. The turning point came when he had the opportunity to acquire the MARQUIS name, already well-respected in aviation circles. “It was like buying a Ferrari badge and then building the car to match,” Davis recalls. This was the moment when his vision for a truly bespoke aviation company took shape.

Since founding MARQUIS in 2018, Davis has transformed the company into a trusted name in luxury aviation, known for its dedication to providing highly personalized, seamless, and curated experiences for its clients.

What This Means for Regular Travelers

While MARQUIS primarily serves the ultra-wealthy, the innovations the company is pioneering are starting to trickle down to mainstream travel. The demand for seamless, personalized experiences has forced even traditional airlines to improve their services and integrate more efficient booking platforms, better customer service, and enhanced amenities.

In fact, MARQUIS is pushing the entire travel industry forward by setting new standards for luxury, convenience, and customer experience. Many of the innovations in flight coordination, concierge services, and lifestyle management that MARQUIS has introduced will eventually influence the broader travel market, making some of their practices more accessible to the public.

Sustainability Meets Exclusivity

With the growing concern over the environmental impact of private aviation, MARQUIS has committed to sustainability through its MARQUIS Global Initiative. The company is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in sustainable aviation fuel and participating in carbon offset programs.

Critics argue that these measures don’t entirely negate the environmental impact of private aviation, but MARQUIS is taking steps toward a more responsible approach to luxury travel. It’s a complicated issue, but the company’s willingness to lead the way in green aviation practices speaks to its desire to meet the needs of eco-conscious ultra-wealthy travelers.

A Reality Check: The Price of Exclusivity

Of course, this level of luxury comes at a price that puts it out of reach for most Americans. To become a member of MARQUIS, a minimum deposit of $150,000 is required. However, this is not a traditional membership fee. Instead, it acts as a working deposit used directly towards your flight time. The amount is applied to your flight hours throughout the year, so you maintain that balance as you fly. In addition, this deposit ensures access to transparent, preferred pricing on flights, as well as an 8-10% management fee—substantially lower than the industry standard.

For those who can afford it, MARQUIS offers an entirely new kind of travel experience, one where literally nothing goes wrong.

For the 1% of the population who can afford this service, it’s a transformative way to travel—one that puts the individual at the center of everything.

Broader Implications: How the Ultra-Wealthy Travel

As wealth inequality continues to grow in America, companies like MARQUIS represent a fascinating glimpse into how the ultra-wealthy live—and travel. Whether these innovations will eventually benefit mainstream travelers remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the gap between how the wealthy and everyone else experience travel is getting wider, not narrower.

As private aviation continues to grow in popularity and sophistication, there’s no question that it’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about crafting an experience where every detail is catered to your needs. For MARQUIS clients, this level of luxury is expected, not extraordinary. They’ve come to expect a travel experience that reflects their lifestyle in every way.

The Future of Luxury Travel

Looking forward, MARQUIS is committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in private aviation and luxury travel. From expanding its fleet to further refining its sustainable practices, MARQUIS is focused on continually innovating the luxury travel experience. Founder Ric Davis says it best: "The pursuit of excellence is an ongoing journey, and I’m committed to ensuring that MARQUIS will continue to define the future of private aviation and lifestyle curation."

As more travelers seek a level of personalization that reflects their tastes and desires, MARQUIS will be at the helm, leading the charge for the next era of luxury air travel.